Instruction in relief carving based on traditional styles and techniques will be geared for the use of beginning and intermediate carvers. Subjects of discussion and demonstration will include materials, styles of carving for furniture. Emphasis will be placed upon the development of designs. For beginning students, attention will be given to tool selection, sharpening and maintenance.
Paul Reiber was a member of the first class of the Fine Woodworking program, convened in the fall of 1981. He established his shop in our area upon graduation and has been fully engaged in his craft since.

Our perennially favored class is a combination of this summer’s Plane Making and Techniques classes, offered at a cost less than both classes taken individually. Having the time to focus on fundamentals and learning to see the effects of working with care has benefited beginning and intermediate woodworkers. The three weeks provide the opportunity for students to survey the possibility of a pursuit in further studies.

The Plane Making class begins with a day of gaining an appreciation of the meaning of the word “sharp”. Two Hock plane irons, 1 ½” and 1 ¾” are provided along with maple stock to make two planes. Students will have an opportunity to use their new tools to accurately join two boards and cleanly plane the resulting surface.

The construction of any well-made piece of furniture depends upon an understanding of the very basics of woodworking. The techniques class is a condensed version of the exercises practiced in our 9-month program, and leaves no time to work on an actual project. First-time applicants have priority for this session.

Student will be reaching the goal of completing a small, simple project during this session. This is an intermediate class; applicants who have not attended previously will be expected to have basic skills and a willingness to be open to adapting to new methods. A suitable project would include objects such as a wall cabinet, simpler table, jewelry box or stool. There will be ongoing lectures and demonstrations on getting out stock, re-sawing, sawn veneers, basic and advanced joinery, glue-ups, fitting hardware and hanging doors.